Why 2018 could be Chargers QB Philip Rivers' MVP season

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers may be entering year No. 15, but there is a strong case to be made that he could be poised for his best campaign ever given what general manager Tom Telesco has been able to compile around him.

The statistics have generally always been there for Rivers, and that remained true in 2017 when he finished second in the NFL (Patriots QB Tom Brady) in passing yards. Last season also marked the fifth consecutive year that Rivers passed for over 4,000 yards and he tied for fifth-most in the NFL with 28 touchdown passes, and his 10 interceptions were the fewest since his 2009 season.

Despite the carousel of offensive linemen and position players that have come and gone around him through the years, Rivers has been able to perform at a high level and should now reap the rewards of an emerging and talented roster. The most notable addition on the offensive side of the ball this offseason was center Mike Pouncey, who is a three-time Pro Bowl selection that gives the Bolts grit and experience up front.

Los Angeles has been unable to find a long-term replacement at the position since Nick Hardwick made the decision to call it quits after 2014. Pouncey joins offensive guards Dan Feeney, highly anticipated second-year OG Forrest Lamp, and offensive tackles Russell Okung and Joe Barksdale.

That is quite a unit on paper and could potentially be the best one that Rivers has ever had in front of him in his 15 years. That isn’t something that fans or analysts should overlook given that Rivers’ dips in play have generally come when he is pressing and/or forced to try to do too much. A comfortable Rivers with a litany of weapons at his disposal who isn’t pressing is precisely the type of player who wins MVPs.

Aside from the enormous loss of tight end Hunter Henry, Rivers will get several playmakers back on offense, including wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams. But the reinforcements don’t stop there as the Bolts will also trot out running backs Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and seventh-round selection Justin Jackson behind that talented offensive line.

For an offense that already ranked No. 1 in passing yards, No. 4 in total yards and No. 13 in points in 2017, Rivers should have nearly every advantage to shine at an MVP-caliber level in his age 36 campaign.